The Daily

Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The New York Times, delivers sharp insights into the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump's words may have incited the January 6 chaos and explores both sides' arguments. Rutenberg highlights the charged political atmosphere leading to the Capitol riots and examines the defense team's shift from fraud claims to constitutional challenges. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance of political speech and its implications for democracy.

Alexander Burns, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, dissects the ongoing ideological warfare within the Republican Party, embodied by Liz Cheney and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They delve into the fallout from the January 6th Capitol riots, highlighting Cheney's impeachment vote against Trump and Greene's controversial positions. The discussion reveals deep divides among party members, as the struggle between traditional Republican values and extreme views intensifies, shaping the future of the GOP.

In a fascinating discussion, the complexities of Asian-American identity are explored through Steven Yeun's journey. His role in 'Minari' sparks conversations about immigrant narratives and authenticity in storytelling. The conversation dives into the cultural nuances faced by Korean Americans, revealing their struggles with identity and belonging. It also critiques Hollywood's portrayal of immigrant experiences, advocating for more genuine representation. Overall, listeners are treated to a profound meditation on race, expectations, and the art of narrative.

Erik Connelly, a defamation law expert, represents Smartmatic in their landmark $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox News. He discusses the astonishing claims of misinformation that have damaged Smartmatic's reputation. Connelly details how false narratives surrounding the 2020 election turned the company into a scapegoat. The conversation highlights the broader implications of disinformation in media, the financial toll of reputational damage, and the urgent need for accountability in journalism.

Hannah Beech, Southeast Asia bureau chief for The New York Times, provides an insightful analysis of Myanmar's turbulent political landscape following a shocking military coup. The discussion highlights the dramatic rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, once a beacon of hope for democracy, now entangled in controversy over her government's handling of the Rohingya crisis. Beech explores the deep political divides and power struggles that led to a complete military takeover, leaving Myanmar's fragile democracy in shambles.

Azam Ahmed, The New York Times’s bureau chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, delves into the gripping story of Miriam Rodríguez. After her daughter Karen was kidnapped by the Zetas cartel, Miriam transformed her grief into a relentless pursuit of justice. Using inventive detective methods, she confronted systemic corruption and the manipulative tactics of criminals. Ahmad sheds light on the emotional toll this ordeal took on Miriam and the broader implications of cartel violence and impunity in Mexico.

Coral Davenport, an energy and environmental policy reporter for The New York Times, dives into President Biden's ambitious climate plans. She discusses the shift away from previous administrations' approaches and the bold vision for a sustainable future. The conversation highlights critical strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the revival of fuel economy standards, and the role of electric vehicles. Davenport also sheds light on the political hurdles facing these plans and the importance of bipartisan support for lasting climate change legislation.

Taylor Lorenz, a tech reporter from The New York Times, and Andrew Ross Sorkin, a financial columnist, dive into the GameStop phenomenon. They explore how a quirky Reddit community challenged traditional Wall Street, pushing GameStop shares up by 1,700%. The guests discuss the playful culture of stock trading and the impact of platforms like Robinhood that empowered individual investors. They delve into the controversy surrounding Robinhood's trade halt, examining the trust issues in financial systems and the broader implications for retail investing.

Explore the fascinating world of smell, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful. The podcast delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a renewed focus on this neglected sense, revealing personal stories of those affected by smell loss. Discover the science behind olfaction and its emotional significance, as well as the complexities of smell perception. Hear accounts of parosmia, where familiar scents become distorted, and learn how smell's role in health diagnostics is evolving, reshaping our understanding and appreciation of this 'forgotten sense'.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times technology columnist, engages with Valerie Gilbert, a devoted QAnon believer, to unpack the aftermath of Joe Biden's inauguration. They discuss the bewilderment faced by followers as their predictions crumble. Gilbert shares her emotional struggle with disillusionment and the challenges of reconciling reality after deep immersion in conspiracy theories. The conversation dives into the psychological toll of unmet expectations and the relentless hope some maintain in their belief systems, even in the face of glaring contradictions.